Smart Talk

Smart Talk is a daily, live, interactive program featuring conversations with newsmakers and experts in a variety of fields and exploring a wide range of issues and ideas, including the economy, politics, health care, education, culture, and the environment. Smart Talk airs live every week day at 9 a.m. on witf’s 89.5 and 93.3.

Smart Talk Friday is a fast-paced program featuring thoughtful and engaging conversations about the politics, policy and people who are shaping Pennsylvania’s future. Host Matt Paul and witf Capitol Bureau Chief Mary Wilson invite your multimedia interaction before, during and after the program.

RST: Ask the Dentist

Tuesday's Radio Smart Talk will be another in the series of "Ask the Professional" programs -- shows that feature professionals who in work in specialized fields that have an impact on nearly everyone.

Tuesday's program will focus on dental health with Carlisle dentist Dr. William Spruill, the former president of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, as our guest.

Preventing cavities and taking care of one's teeth by brushing with a toothpaste that contains fluoride and flossing have become so routine for most Americans that we don't even think about it. So that means we concentrate on our teeth when there is a problem or if we are looking for ways to improve the look of our teeth.

In fact, teeth whitening is becoming more popular to brighten a smile. Do the toothpastes that promise whiter teeth work or is something more required.

We're hearing more about a relationship between good dental health, especially when it comes to the gums, and heart disease. Is there a correlation?

We'll asked those questions and more on dental health on today's program.

Regarding mechanical toothbrushes: Are they safe to use on veneers? Having had some problems early on, I worry that the vibration could cause the veneers to loosen eventually. Am I worrying needlessly? Thanks!

1. I make my family’s toothpaste, using calcium powder, coconut oil, baking soda, xylitol powder, food-grade diatomaceous earth, vegetable glycerin, and essential oils. We all had periodic dental caries when we were using mainstream, store-bought toothpaste with fluoride, but none of us have had cavities since making the switch over a year ago. We all do go to the dentist every 6 months, and have been told that we have less plaque in the past. Is there anything I should be alert about, that would put up red flags to indicate that the toothpaste is not as effective as it should be?

2. I recently read that our teeth can re-mineralize themselves when not impeded by coatings (glycerin, fluoride, etc.), and heal cavities without drilling/ filling, but had not previously heard that from my dentist. It makes sense to me that teeth could heal themselves, as most other human body parts can heal themselves under the right circumstances. Can you tell us more about how teeth can re-mineralize and/ or heal on their own, and how to promote that process?

3. My eight-year-old son was told at his last dentist’s appointment that the standard practice is to put sealant on all of his healthy adult teeth when he is 8 or 9 years old. Is this standard practice, and why?

I have dental anxiety and get very nervous and nauseous when I need to go to the dentist. So much so that it has been at least 3 years since I've been to one. Once I even passed out in the chair. Any suggestions?